“Oh. Oh! Mr. Wall Fucker?”
More people turned to stare.
“Keep your voice down!” Cass hissed. “And yes, that guy!”
Cassie had moved into the building a year ago, which meant she'd had to endure nine months of listening to his sexcapades before they'd started having them together.
“I can't believe it. I thought you hated that guy,” Natalie chuckled “So was it good? Worth all the shouting?”
“Uh ...” Cassie's mind went blank for a second as a montage of sex played through her brain.
“That means it was. When did this happen? Last night?”
They had to pause, both leaning back as the waitress dropped off their food. While Natalie dug into her burger and fries, Cass sucked her lips between her teeth. This part wasn't going to be good. Normally, the two girls shared everything with each other. Hiding a three month long boink fest wouldn't go over well.
“No,” Cass spoke slowly, dropping her eyes to her plate.
“No? Then when, a couple days ago?”
“No ...”
Natalie stopped eating.
“Longer than that? Why didn't you tell me?” she demanded. “When did you sleep with him?”
“Three months ago.”
“Three months ago? You banged that long ago, and you're still thinking about it today?” Nat sounded surprised.
Cass grimaced and squeezed her eyes shut tight.
“I've been banging him for three months, up until the night before last, and I'm still thinking about it today.”
She could hear Natalie's silverware clanging as she dropped her hands to the table top.
“What?” she snapped. “I'm sorry – you've been sleeping with the mystery wall banger for three months, and you didn't tell me?”
Cassie winced and opened her eyes. It felt like the whole diner was staring at them now. An older waitress was even glaring.
“Keep your voice down!” Cass hissed. “And yes, okay, I'm sorry. It just like ... started happening! And I kept thinking it was going to end, and then it didn't, and I just ... I don't know, I was kinda embarrassed.”
“Why? Is he super ugly?”
Cass thought about Micah's looks. He was tall, probably around six-three or four, and long limbed. He had thick, jet black hair, which he wore in lots of different styles, though her favorite was when he kept it long. His strong jaw was almost always covered in stubble, and his full bottom lip was always begging her to nip at it.
Combined with his strong, rough hands, his broad shoulders, his firm body, and his absolutely outstanding dick, it all made for a pretty irresistible package.
“No. No, he is definitely not ugly,” Cass breathed, fanning her face. Natalie's eyebrows shot up.
“Must not be – you're beet red right now,” she teased. “I can't believe you haven't been giving me all the details, you horny little slut! I want to know everything!”
Cass took a deep breath, then did tell everything. About the first encounter, after her ex had dumped her. And then about most every encounter afterwards. Natalie's eyebrows raised up to her hairline when Cass held her hands apart, trying to accurately portray the size of Micah's greatest asset.
“Jesus, no wonder you kept him a secret,” Nat whispered. “If it was me, I'd be keeping him chained to my bed.”
“I've considered it,” Cass laughed. “But no, it's not like that. Up until a couple days ago, it was just sex, and I mean just. We only knew each others' last names because they're on our mailboxes. I didn't even know he was in a band or anything, not until he walked into that conference room.”
“A lead guitarist with a big dick,” Natalie sighed wistfully as she propped her chin in her hands. “When this Josh guy steals your heart, can I sleep with Micah?”
Cass made a face. The idea made her stomach twist into a giant knot.
“No one is stealing my heart,” she replied. “It's just a thank you dinner with Josh.”
“So is this why you haven't been dating or seeing anyone? Because you've got some sex rock god at your beck and call?”
“He's not at my 'beck and call', not hardly. He never does anything I ask him to, it's super annoying. But yes, he's why I haven't felt the need to go out on dates. It was all just so much ... easier.”
“Yeah, right up until someone awesome did ask you out, and now you have to choose between them,” Natalie guessed. Cass groaned and dropped her head to the table.
“That's the stupid part – I haven't chosen anything, and no one has asked me to choose, so why does it feel this way? One guy I have casual sex with, the other I just met and he casually asked me to dinner. But now Micah's being weird and I'm not even sure I want to have the dinner, but I kinda think I should, anyway, and it's all so stupid.”
“Wait, Micah's being weird? Like how so?”
“I don't know,” Cass mumbled, going cross-eyed as she stared at the shiny Formica. “Maybe I'm just reading into it. But he was there when Josh called and asked me out. He overheard, then he basically ran out of my apartment afterwards. I didn't see him at all for the rest of the day, then last night ...”
She let her voice trail off, and after a moment or two, Natalie clicked her tongue.
“Ah. Wall banging.”
“Yuuuup.”
“He's jealous. He likes you, Cass.”
She burst out laughing and sat upright.
“Jealous he has to share his toy, maybe,” she conceded. “But he doesn't like me more than a little. Just this morning, he told me I look like shit. I'm not at all the kind of girl he normally brings home. He barely even talks to me, I think he thinks I'm shallow. Materialistic. Vain.”
“Well, he's not wrong.”
Cass threw a sausage link at her friend, causing her to shriek and giggle.
“It's just all weird. Maybe the sex needs to stop. It was bound to get screwed up at some point,” she sighed, picking up her fork and picking at her eggs.
“Truth,” Natalie nodded her head. “Remember when I had that thing with the bouncer? It was all fun and games until he told me he'd gotten engaged. I think I cried for a week straight. You don't want that to happen to you.”
Cassie frowned, then started shoveling her food into her mouth. Micah? Engaged? Who could possibly want to marry a douche like him?
Only someone who likes talented, driven, sexy men, who also happen to have magic penises. That's all. Fuck. When did this all get so fucked up?
They finished their meals while talking about mundane things, then headed back outside. It was a bright, hot May day, and Cassie put on her sunglasses. Natalie did the same, then linked her arm through her friend's.
“Maybe just be honest with both guys,” she broached their earlier subject. “I mean, you say you're not actually into Micah, right? So nothing to lose there – just tell him it's only sex between you, and if he has a problem with you seeing other people, then it needs to stop. And make sure you let this Josh guy know that your dinner date is just that, dinner, and that you're still seeing other people. Easy peezy.”
Yeah, sure. “Easy peezy” says the person who doesn't have to have all these scary adult conversations.
“Honest, huh,” Cassie grunted.
“The way I see it, it's the best chance you have to get everything you want – your bang-buddy, and a fun, free dinner with a hot guy. Win-win.”
She frowned, and her mind drifted off while her friend chattered away. Was that what she really wanted?
Was it?
4
Cassie did not see Micah “later”, like he'd said. In fact, unbeknownst to her, he banged on her door for ten solid minutes around one in the morning. She would've been flattered if she'd known – rarely did they seek each other out for sex, it tended to just happen whenever they bumped into each other.
Or, you know, when I arrange things to ensure we bump into each other ...
Cassie spent the night with Natalie, getting drunk on cheap wine and binge watching The B
achelor. She wound up sleeping in her guest room, and in the morning, had to rush to make it to work on time.
“You have a message,” her assistant said, jogging up to her and holding out a slip of paper. “And Ms. Pressly wants to speak to you.”
“Oh. Now?”
“As soon as you're ready, she said for you to head in.”
“Got it. Just give me a moment.”
Ms. Pressly was Cassie's boss – was the boss. Pressly Events was the name on the side of the building, and it was a mini-empire Joanna Pressly had built from the ground up. She had satellite companies in several cities, but D.C. was the start of it all, and still the headquarters.
Cassie pulled a mirror out of her desk and double checked her makeup. Zhuzhed up her hair. Smoothed her hands over her outfit. Then she grabbed the files on all the events she was currently working on, and she headed for Ms. Joanna Pressly's office. She only had to wait a couple seconds after knocking before she was called inside.
“Cassie,” Joanna said in a warm voice as she stood up. She was in her mid-fifties, but looked much younger. Her platinum blonde hair was swept back into a stylish updo, and her thin lips were painted shiny red. She shook Cassie's hand when she offered it, and her grip was firm.
God, I want to be this lady some day.
“You wanted to see me?” Cass asked as she took a seat.
“Yes,” Joanna nodded. “Just real quick. We're doing some rearranging here – as you know, Miranda is leaving us.” Miranda was Cassie's supervisor, the woman she worked directly under. She was leaving to be a stay at home mom and had turned in her notice a week ago.
“Yes. It'll be sad to see her go.”
“It will. We're also opening another office in Miami,” Joanna informed her, and that really was news. Pressly Events hadn't opened any new branches in the past five years; Cassie had figured they were done expanding.
“That's ... exciting! Miami is a great location, a lot to work with down there.”
“A lot of money, too,” Joanna smiled big. “I'll be personally heading down there to get things set up and running, oversee hiring, and even organize several events.”
Cassie was downright stunned – Joanna only ever came out of her office for really special events. Celebrities and heads-of-state. Parties for the president, things like that; her fees were not cheap, but her events were the stuff of legends.
“That's amazing, though I'm sure the office here will miss you. You're not staying down there permanently, are you?”
“Oh, god, no. The mosquitos alone,” Joanna shuddered. “But I have a lot of friends in Miami, so I want to make sure we set things off right, you know? With a bang. Blow everyone else out of the water.”
“Shouldn't be hard to do,” Cass laughed, and she started feeling nervous. Why was she being made privy to this conversation? She'd always interacted pleasantly enough with Joanna, but they weren't by any means close.
“Cassie, we've very much valued the work you've done for us,” her boss finally continued. “You're a consummate professional, all of your clients have sung your praises. You have a way of making everyone around you comfortable, even when you're dealing with live animals. Even that time the building caught on fire.”
Cass laughed at the memory.
“I think it all worked out for the best.”
“Exactly. And that's the kind of attitude we appreciate around here,” Joanna said. “Now, I hope I won't overwhelm with all I'm about to say, but I have several offers for you. Nothing you need to decide right this second – you'll have two weeks before we need to know anything. I want to make sure you can focus on the mayor's daughter's party.”
“Alright. What is it?”
“When Miranda told us she was leaving, she recommended you to take her position as department head,” Joanna said plainly.
Cassie's eyebrows shot up. It would be a huge leap in position – head of a department, a private office, and she'd never have to work under someone else on their event, ever again. She'd be in charge of all her own – their department primarily did birthdays, receptions, and business dinners.
“Oh, wow, that's so sweet of her! I always loved working with her, and I learned a lot. Is that why she gave me this event?” Cass asked. She'd been surprised when Miranda had let her take the reins on an event for the mayor. Now it made sense – it was somewhat of a test.
“It is,” Joanna nodded. “Though I wish she'd discussed it with me, first.”
“Oh, I'm sorry.”
“No, you see, I'd already been working on who I wanted to bring to Miami with me, and your name was suggested by several people. I'd like for you to come down there and work directly with me on all my events. And if things were to go well, you'd have a management position there when I left.”
Cassie gasped, her jaw dropping to the floor. Go to Miami? Work with Joanna Pressly on her private events? A management position? Her mind was swimming, and she pressed her hand to her forehead.
“This is ... incredible,” she breathed. “So basically, I have the option of taking a higher up position here – or move to Miami, and possibly get an even better position, there.”
“Yes,” Joanna smiled. “Like I said, I understand this all must be overwhelming. And of course, there's always the option to stay exactly where you are. I think you've got too much potential to scare you away, so whatever you decide, you'll have a job no matter what. And please, don't fret over it too much. Let the options roll around in your head, and in a week or so, we'll meet again, alright?”
“Alright.”
But it was overwhelming, and by the time Cassie said goodbye and left the office, she was fretting.
Leave D.C.? She loved the city. But Miami was so exciting, she'd been on several vacations there, and she'd always enjoyed herself.
Being a department head there in D.C., though, it had always been her goal – could she just walk away from that?
But it sounded like if she did, it would be to a better position in Miami. A manager? Vice president? She didn't even know what titles were available.
When Cassie got back to her desk, she stared off into space for a little bit. Then she remembered the message her assistant had given her when she'd walked in – it was still laying against her keyboard. She unfolded the piece of paper and saw that Josh had called, asking for her. He wanted her to come to his event hall and take inventory of some party supplies she'd had sent over.
Cass drove over to the hall with her mind still in a funk. She should've been happy, she knew, and really, she was – to get recommended for two incredible promotions was a big deal. But it still twisted her up inside, trying to figure out which would be better for her. Better for her career.
She got out of her car and walked to the hall's back door in a daze, her bottom lip trapped between her teeth. But when Josh came out to get her a couple moments later, she made sure she was smiling pleasantly.
“Hey, how are you,” he chuckled as he held the door open wide for her. “Sorry about the mess.”
There was a lot of construction going on, they must have had an interesting event over the weekend. What looked like huge sets were being deconstructed and taken apart. Sawdust and the sounds of hammers and saws were everywhere. She coughed and waved her hand in front of her face.
“Totally fine,” she assured him. “I'm sure it'll all be good before Friday.”
Friday was her party day, and she better not find one stray speck of sawdust lying around.
“You won't even know this was all here,” he laughed, and she was surprised to feel his hand on the small of her back, guiding her around the mess towards the kitchen.
Cass wondered what it would be like to feel his hand on her bare skin. Josh was so nice – she wasn't used to that, anymore. She was used to Micah's sneering mouth and teasing voice and rough hands.
And as if she'd conjured the devil himself, she saw Micah on the small stage. His guitar was hanging loose in front of his waist, and he had a pi
ck in between his teeth. It felt strange, seeing him “at work”. She'd never realized it, but he had quite the stage presence – there weren't any spot lights on and there was no music, but she couldn't help but stare at him. He wasn't even doing anything; his arms were folded across his chest, and he was listening intently to something one of his band mates was saying. As she passed by the stage, he glanced at her, then did a double take. She finally looked away, focusing on the door she was heading through.
“We're having a Bar Mitzvah here tonight,” Josh explained. “The guys offered to play at it.”
“That's sweet of them.”
“Yeah, you wouldn't know it to look at them, but they're all pretty great,” he assured her. “They've played a lot of events here recently, I sometimes think of them as our house band.”
“You're friends with them?” Cassie asked as they moved towards a stack of boxes.
“Kind of, though I'm sure they think I'm too old and stuffy.”
“You can't be that old,” she laughed. “At least not much older than me.”
“Thirty-two,” he nodded his head. “Which to anyone twenty-nine and under, it means I'm practically at death's door.”
She laughed louder.
“Well, I think you look pretty good for thirty-two,” she teased him. “And nowhere near death's door.”
“Oh yeah? So hey, about that dinner – I was thinking maybe this weekend? We could celebrate the great success of our event,” he told her as she started digging through boxes of plates and cutlery.
Cassie took a deep breath and glanced up at him. He'd suggested the dinner as her way of repaying him for inviting an A-list celebrity – maybe that's all it was, repayment. Maybe she was making a mountain out of a mole hill by worrying about it.
Or maybe I should nut up and just do what Natalie said.
“I'm sorry, I have to ask,” she started. “Are you asking me out on a date? Like a proper date?”
“I hadn't really thought that hard about it,” Josh admitted. “And like I said, don't feel obligated, or anything. I want this event to go well, dinner or no dinner. I just ... I don't know, ever since I met you in that conference room, I've had trouble thinking about anything else. I'd like to get to know you better.”
Boy #1: The Wannabe Rockstar (Oh, Those Boys) Page 5
